NHTSA vehicle safety data

2018 Volkswagen Jetta Recalls, Ratings & Complaints

The 2018 Volkswagen Jetta has 3 NHTSA recall campaigns and 32 owner complaints on file as of November 3, 2026. Recall repairs are usually free at an authorized Volkswagen dealer.

NHTSA recall and complaint data for the 2018 Volkswagen Jetta, plus NCAP crash-test ratings. Recall data is refreshed daily from NHTSA.

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2018 Volkswagen Jetta owner complaints

Owners have filed 32 complaints with NHTSA about the 2018 Volkswagen Jetta, describing incidents dated March 19, 2018 to October 13, 2026.

Most-cited components

Fuel/Propulsion System 9 complaints
Unknown or Other 8 complaints
Air Bags 6 complaints
Power Train 5 complaints
Electrical System 3 complaints
Engine 2 complaints

Of the 32 complaints on file, 1 reports a crash (owner-reported, not verified by NHTSA).

Newest complaints

ODI #11773000 · Filed October 22, 2026
The vehicle wouldn't start and upon closer inspection some fluid was underneath the vehicle and there was a strong smell of gas. We had the car towed the following morning to a repair shop and were informed there was a fuel leak from behind the intake manifold. The service technician found two loose…
ODI #11750939 · Filed July 16, 2026
My vehicle has an active, federally mandated safety recall for a fuel rail leak (Recall 24Gi / 20V648000), which is a documented fire hazard. The vehicle now has an active "EPC" (Electronic Power Control) dashboard light and a fuel odor. When I called my local authorized Volkswagen…
ODI #11747315 · Filed June 29, 2026
Leaking gas. And charcoal canister problems. I’m not sure why this vehicle is not recalled but the vw gti is and same years as other vw models but not this one. There has to be a recall with this vin vehicle no one was harmed or injured yet since this problem is scary and leaks gas I am unable to…

Read all 32 complaints

Fuel Rail Bolts May Loosen Allowing Fuel Leak

NHTSA #20V648000 · Fuel System, Gasoline — Fuel Injection System — Fuel Rail · NHTSA notice

Reported October 21, 2020 · Volkswagen Group of America, Inc.

Potentially affected: 218,192 vehicles

Repair completion: 67.88% (latest rate the manufacturer reported to NHTSA; dataset updated November 3, 2026)

Volkswagen campaign 24Gi · Owners notified March 31, 2021

Defect description

Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2016-2018 Jetta vehicles. The fuel rail bolts may become loose over time, allowing fuel to leak.

Safety consequence

A fuel leak increases the risk of a fire.

Manufacturer remedy

Volkswagen will notify owners, and dealers will replace the fuel rail bolts and, as necessary, the fuel rail. The recall began March 31, 2021. Owners may contact Volkswagen customer service at 1-800-893-5298. Volkswagen's number for this recall is 24Gi.

Notes

Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.safercar.gov.

Master Cylinder Has Insufficient Fluid Seal Crimp

NHTSA #20E064000 · Service Brakes, Hydraulic — Foundation Components — Master Cylinder · NHTSA notice

Reported September 23, 2020 · Tenneco Automotive

Potentially affected: 38 vehicles

Repair completion: 23.68% (latest rate the manufacturer reported to NHTSA; dataset updated November 3, 2026)

Owners notified October 30, 2020

Defect description

Tenneco Automotive (Tenneco) is recalling certain Beck/Arnley Master Cylinders, part number 072-9831, sold as aftermarket or replacement parts for 2004-2018 Volkswagen Jetta, and 2012-2019 Volkswagen Beetle vehicles. The fluid seal crimp on the master cylinder may be insufficient, causing brake fluid to leak or the cylinder to come apart.

Safety consequence

If there is a brake fluid leak, it can reduce braking ability, increasing the risk of a crash.

Manufacturer remedy

Beck/Arnley will notify the distributors that sold the master cylinders and will work with the distributors to notify the end users. Affected master cylinders will be exchanged for a new master cylinder (part number 072-9990), free of charge. The recall began October 30, 2020. Owners may contact Tenneco customer service at 1-800-625-9319.

Notes

Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.safercar.gov.

Key May Be Removed When Not In Park

NHTSA #19V615000 · Electrical System — Ignition — Anti-Theft — Control Module · NHTSA notice

Reported August 22, 2019 · Volkswagen Group of America, Inc.

Potentially affected: 679,027 vehicles

Repair completion: 49.07% (latest rate the manufacturer reported to NHTSA; dataset updated November 3, 2026)

Volkswagen campaign 37M2 · Owners notified November 19, 2019 · Vehicles built July 11, 2014 – December 9, 2017 (per NHTSA)

Defect description

Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2015-2019 GTI, 2015-2016 and 2018-2019 Golf, 2012-2019 Beetle and Beetle Convertible, 2017-2019 Golf SportWagen and 2011-2018 Jetta vehicles equipped with an automatic transmission, manual handbrake and keyless entry. A build-up of silicate on the shift lever micro switch contacts may enable the key to be removed from the ignition when the transmission shift lever is not in "Park."

Safety consequence

Removing the key while the shift lever is in a position other than "Park" increases the risk of an unintended vehicle rollaway that may result in personal injury or a crash.

Manufacturer remedy

Volkswagen will notify owners, and dealers will install an additional switch and circuit board, free of charge. The recall began November 19, 2019. Owners may contact Volkswagen customer service at 1-800-893-5298. Volkswagen's number for this recall is 37M2.

Notes

Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.safercar.gov.

2018 Volkswagen Jetta 4 DR FWD

out of 5

Overall Safety Rating

Frontal Crash

Driver: 4, Passenger: 4

Side Crash

Driver: 5, Passenger: 5

Side Pole

Rollover

11% rollover risk

Safety Technology

Electronic Stability Control Forward Collision Warning (Optional)

32 owner complaints have been filed with NHTSA for the 2018 Volkswagen Jetta.

Fuel/Propulsion System

ODI #11773000

Incident: October 13, 2026 · Filed: October 22, 2026

The vehicle wouldn't start and upon closer inspection some fluid was underneath the vehicle and there was a strong smell of gas. We had the car towed the following morning to a repair shop and were informed there was a fuel leak from behind the intake manifold. The service technician found two loose fuel rail bolts and one missing fuel rail bolt which caused the fuel rail to come out of the engine. Prior to the vehicle not starting, we had no warning lights or symptoms that indicated there was an issue with the car.

Fuel/Propulsion System

ODI #11750939

Incident: July 14, 2026 · Filed: July 16, 2026

My vehicle has an active, federally mandated safety recall for a fuel rail leak (Recall 24Gi / 20V648000), which is a documented fire hazard. The vehicle now has an active "EPC" (Electronic Power Control) dashboard light and a fuel odor. When I called my local authorized Volkswagen dealership—Southern Team Volkswagen at 6520 Peters Creek Road in Roanoke, VA—to schedule the safety repair, the service department flat-out refused to take the vehicle. The representative stated that they "are not taking new clients" and "will not be repairing" the vehicle. They left me stranded with an active, dangerous safety hazard on my property and refused to comply with the federal recall mandate. When escalations were made to corporate, I was told my only option was to take the vehicle for an hour to Lynchburg, VA, at my expense. Because they don’t have a policy to pay for towing. I had to call the manufacturer and have them step in to “pull some strings” he said. Am currently waiting to hear back from them.

Fuel/Propulsion System

ODI #11747315

Incident: June 1, 2026 · Filed: June 29, 2026

Leaking gas. And charcoal canister problems. I’m not sure why this vehicle is not recalled but the vw gti is and same years as other vw models but not this one. There has to be a recall with this vin vehicle no one was harmed or injured yet since this problem is scary and leaks gas I am unable to drive car due to risk of fire and injury.

Chest Clip, Buckle, Harness

ODI #11742734

Incident: June 7, 2026 · Filed: June 8, 2026

I buckled my 2.5 year old daughter into her carseat and secured the magnetic chest clip. It very easily popped back open WITHOUT pressing the buttons. I attempted to get it to securely close several times and with light pressure it opens back up. This is extremely unsafe as it would likely not stay clipped in a crash or a child could very easily open the chest clip. After a quick online search, it appears that several others have had this issue. I just noticed it yesterday but I have no idea how long this has been occuring and, unless checked thoroughly every time, could happen to anyone.

Power Train

ODI #11728653

Incident: March 23, 2026 · Filed: April 1, 2026

My car made a loud banging noise and would not move even though engine was running. Had towed and was told car needs new transmission I brought to another mechanic for second opinion and was told the same thing code P073300

Fuel/Propulsion System

ODI #11718601

Incident: February 17, 2026 · Filed: February 17, 2026

The car makes a loud popping/ clicking sound in the back of the car (near exhaust) whenever I accelerate or let off the gas.

Engine; Fuel/Propulsion System

ODI #11682295

Incident: August 18, 2025 · Filed: August 22, 2025

On Monday [XXX] my 2018 VW Jetta S started gushing gas from the bottom of the car. I immediately pulled over and called AAA to have my car towed to my nearest VW dealer which was National City Volkswagen 3131 Mile of Car National City, Ca. The issue my car was having looked similar to a recall due to fuel rails coming loose. My car ended up having faulty gas rails which is part of a recall for my vehicle. I was told it was already corrected 4 years ago so i had to pay out of pocket for it. Yet the repairs or corrected recall are not on the carfax, for one. And for two, I did not own the car when said repairs were completed and I cannot find any record of it. I believe VW is still responsible for this as it is the same parts that were repaired for the recall. Plus, I missed a whole day at work because of this. ($30hr×8=$240) plus the $1438.26 I had to pay out of pocket. Thank you for your time and consideration. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

Air Bags

ODI #11675689

Incident: February 5, 2025 · Filed: July 23, 2025

Passenger airbag light is illuminated after hitting a bump in the road

Air Bags; Unknown or Other

ODI #11665499

Incident: June 6, 2025 · Filed: June 7, 2025

I was backing out of a parking spot, turned the wheel and the screen lit up staing error:airbag. Air bag light came on dash screen. Cruise control, steering wheel options for music control and menu and horn have stopped working. There is this nosie that comes from the steering column when making turns now as well.

Air Bags

ODI #11653841

Incident: March 2, 2025 · Filed: April 10, 2025

Front passenger air bag light came on without provocation and remains on. Have noticed multiple recalls of similar situations with VW air bags being recalled. It appeared to start with the detection of weight change in the seat. It would not deactivate when a small child sat in the front seat. Now the passenger air bag light just continuously stays on regardless of adult, child, or nothing is the seat.

Other Volkswagen Jetta model years

Check your 2018 Volkswagen Jetta VIN

Not every recall applies to every VIN in a given year. Enter the 17-character VIN from your Volkswagen Jetta at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see whether your specific vehicle has an unrepaired recall.

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